Health Library

Exercising with Chronic Lung Disease: Increasing Strength

Building muscle strength will allow you to do certain activities with less effort. Some of these exercises involve using hand weights. If you don’t have weights at home, you can use water bottles, bags of dried beans, or soup cans instead.

Shoulder Press

Biceps Curl

Side Lift

Shoulder Press

Stand or sit, holding a weight in each hand at shoulder level. Your palms should face forward. Inhale.

Exhale as you slowly press the weights upward. Reach as high as you comfortably can. Avoid locking your elbows.

Inhale while you slowly lower the weights to your shoulders. Repeat as directed.

Special instructions: _____________________________________________________

Biceps Curl

Stand or sit with a weight in each hand. Keep your arms straight, very close to your sides, with your palms facing forward. Inhale.

Exhale as you slowly bend your arms and lift the weights to shoulder level.

Inhale while you slowly return to the starting position. Repeat as directed.

Special instructions: _____________________________________________________

Side Lift

Stand straight and hold on to a sturdy chair with one hand. Inhale.

Exhale as you lift your foot to the side. You only need to lift it a few inches. Keep your toes pointing forward. Hold the lift until you’re finished exhaling.

Inhale while bringing your leg back to your side. Repeat as directed. Then switch sides.

Special instructions: _____________________________________________________

Leg Raise

Lie on your back. Your healthcare provider or pulmonary rehabilitation team can teach you how to get up and lie down safely. A mat and pillow may keep you more comfortable.